There will be time to pay taxes later

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Recently, I was informed that the Canada revenue agency would revise its existing law to change the Aboriginal education system in Canada. Aboriginal students are going to be paying some heavy taxes on their education endeavors.

The Liberal government plans to fully tax students based on their tuition, living allowance, books and other supplies.

It's bad enough the average Aboriginal student has to survive on Corn Flakes, Asian noodles and fried bologna. After these changes I would not be surprised if an Aboriginal student could even afford the bologna. Some students may not be able to afford rent simply because this government forces Aboriginals to resume a lifestyle that rolls in the slums. These taxed students will be forced to rely on inner-city food banks and soup kitchens.

In times like these many Aboriginal students must take a stand for their education as I did. They should contact their chiefs, grand chiefs, the national chief, members of Parliament and the minister of Indian Affairs.

These taxation reforms are unjust based on the fact that a majority of students will have lived away from the First Nation for the first time. It will take their entire education to adjust to urban life. Should they stay in the city like many of us afterwards, they will be working in full-time jobs and contributing taxes then.

This Liberal government must lend an ear to those who are seldom given a voice. Even the one voice behind these words will never rest. I will assure you that.

Daniel J. Townshend

Sagamok First Nation

Editor's note: Canada Customs and Revenue Agency planned to bring in the new tax in 2005, but that has been pushed forward to 2006.